Time to start thinking about summer camp

It's almost time for summer camp in Lee County with the first day two months away.

The county offers nine different locations that hit a wide variety of ages and interests.

"Games, arts and crafts... we have four teen camps at our larger recreation centers centers and then some of our specialty camps," said Alise Franjack, the deputy director of the county's parks and recreation department.

The county serves around 1,000 campers every day for six weeks.

"Parents are looking for that quality program that I do feel we provide," said Franjack.

But how can parents be certain?

Grandparent Stuart Chomeau said he would not send his grandchildren to summer camp without checking into it.

"Definitely the reputation of the camp to start with and the people who are running the camp, past history and how long they have been in the business," he said.

Lee County said it hires upwards of 80 counselors and 30 lifeguards.

"We go through the interview process, and we go through background checking and screening. Our in-service training is pretty in depth with some behavior management training... situational awareness that we teach the staff, said Franjack.

Children's Ministry, a vacation bible school on McGregor Boulevard, said it hires about 200 volunteers for 300 children.

"Anyone who has direct supervision of children has to be screened. We're looking for anyone who has abusive behavior toward children," said director, Debbie Norris.

The church also requires volunteers to be affiliated with the church for at least six months beforehand. It's another precaution parents and grandparents are thankful for.

"In this day and age, you don't know what you are getting unless you have some background as to who the people are," said Chomeau.